The article "Semiconductor Fuses – General" describes some of the fundamental principles that guide the positioning of fuses in power electronic circuits. Below are several examples of how these principles are implemented in typical converter circuits.
Phases Bridge
Phases bridges have many different kinds of applications such as DC motor drive, battery chargers, DC supply for PWM AC motor drive etc.
If the motor drive regenerates energy back to the network it can be located as follows: Fuses F1 in the arms or Fuses F2 + F3
If the motor does not regenerate energy back to the network fuses can be fitted in F2 or in F3.
Phases Bridge with Several Semiconductors in Parallel per Arm
This converter is used in high power electrolysis industry for the production of aluminium, chlorine, etc. It can also be used in substation rectifiers for metros and tramways. Fuses can only be fitted in the arms.
Soft Starter or Static Switch
In most cases fuses are in F2 only. For some very difficult cases fuses are in the F1 position only.
Double Y with Interphase Transformer Rectifier
This converter is used in equipment for electrolysis and electroplating, and in motor drives. Fuses are in F1.
Double Y with Interphase Transformer Rectifier with Several Semiconductors in Parallel per Arm.
This converter is used, for example, in high power electrolysis industry for the production Aluminium, Chlorine etc… Fuses F1 must be fitted only in the arms.
Generic Inverter
This is the DC to AC part of an AC motor drive or VVVF (Variable Voltage & Variable Frequency drive).
It is as well the DC to AC part of an UPS. Fuses can be in F2 or in F1.
For more information, please read:
Semiconductor Fuses: Terms and Explanations
Time-Current Characteristic for Fuses
Introduction to Current Rating and I²t for Fuses
I²t Curves and Operating Times of Fuses
Dimensioning Semiconductor Fuses
Nice details.
Diagrams helps a lot in understanding the concept.
Pl add more explanations on WHY fuses at these positions ?
This will help fresh graduates to know the importance & professionals to review the college days & stick to principles.
Hello Sandesh,
have you read this article as well: http://www.powerguru.org/2012/04/20/semiconductor-fuses-general/
which should explain in the lower part the reasoning for the positions of the fuses.
Do you think that we should add more? We would be interested also in your proposals ...
Yes Sir,
Now I have seen the said article. It was not seen before.
These two clubed / brought together will make a nice introduction on FUSE PROTECTIONS.
The next thing required is their i2t rating & fusing time logistics v/s devices to be protected.
thanks a lot.
Hello Sandesh,
Thank you for the valuable feedback. We added a link at the top of the article refering readers to the general information on fuse placement. We also added links in the reading suggestions at the bottom to articles that address the other topics you pointed out.
We look forward to hearing more of your suggestions.